Blue Tooth Head Sets & Shopping Malls

[studio1087]

Why do middle aged men walk through shopping malls with Blue Tooth heads sets on their heads?

By the way; I'm nearly 43 therefore I can pick on middle aged guys.

I was at the mall this weekend ad I encountered at least 10 middle aged men who were walking thought the mall and shouting straight ahead with no none else near them. I then saw the flashing light on the side of their heads and realized that they were on the phone.

I have a Blue Tooth head set. I participate in hour long conference calls daily while driving and the head set is a great relief. I don't like to drive with a wire strung across my face and I get a sore neck holding the phone near my head for an hour. I also have a Q phone so that I can look at spread sheets while going to the bathroom. My boss loves this sort of behavior.

Why would you walk through the mall with a flashing plastic object on your head (just to use your phone) ? Here's what I do. My phone is in my pocket. If you call me at the mall, I grab the phone and say hello (with cheer). I'm not driving. I'm not doing surgery. I'm not a mom pushing a stroller and watching two other children (I can allow the busy Mom thing).

Are some guys thinking this is a status symbol? Having a blinking $39 plastic object on your head while digging through the sock bin at The GAP while not make hot chicks dig you.

I had to get this off my chest. The dork factor is out of control.

John

[emjayjay]

Just read that out to my gf, she agrees that bluetooth headsets won't make hot chicks dig you!!!

[Tim Armstrong]

They've been assimilated into the Borg Collective!

I'm a commercial charter bus driver, and while I don't like being on the phone at all while I'm driving, there are times when it's unavoidable. So I got a Bluetooth headset.

I hate it! I don't get anywhere near the audio quality, and find myself saying "What?" way too much. So it sits in my car glove compartment, unused...

Cheers, Tim

[guitarzan13]

OK... I think that there is a time and place. For instance.... This past Saturday night I went to an after show party for the pit band that played for a production here in town. The ENTIRE 2 and half hours that we were there, the trumpet player had his blue tooth dangling on the side of his "tater"(redneck term for head)..... I feel that in a social setting like this, wearing a bluetooth is both RUDE and completely unacceptable.I just wanted to smack it off the side of his head......

[markinlondon]

It's the appearance of talking to yourself or an imaginary friend that worries me. Especially when someone next to you in the street suddenly says "hello" or, as is very common in London, starts swearing in a loud clear voice at an invisible person. Scary indeed!

[jimd]

We've got a guy at work that wears his all the time. I've seen him in meetings with that thing stuck to the side of his head. I think it's rude too.

[Daddydex]

This too shall pass.

Dan

[jumpnblues]

"Just read that out to my gf, she agrees that bluetooth headsets won't make hot chicks dig you!!!"


I'm devastated!!!!! Heyyy...maybe my black socks and shorts'll do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom

[Durtdog]

Originally Posted by Daddydex

This too shall pass.

Or escalate out of control.

I always laugh at the 24/7 bluetooth mooks.

Even more disturbing, picture this as you read my description:
I've seen a video of a guy wearing glasses that are actually a computer monitor, so you can use your computer on the go. He was sitting alone on a park bench, waving his hands in the air to manipulate data (no mouse) and speaking to his computer.

THAT's gonna be fun to see.

[lewis]

=

[IronJoe]

Originally Posted by studio1087

Why do middle aged men walk through shopping malls with Blue Tooth heads sets on their heads?

Here are the two reasons:

1. Because shopping malls are miserable and talking on the phone makes it somewhat more tolerable.
   
2. Because on the other end of the phone are their wives who are telling them what to buy and where to buy it. (Especially true of men in grocery stores.)

[Big John]

Originally Posted by IronJoe

Here are the two reasons:

1. Because shopping malls are miserable and talking on the phone makes it somewhat more tolerable.
2. Because on the other end of the phone are their wives who are telling them what to buy and where to buy it. (Especially true of men in grocery stores.)

I think you can reduce this to ONE reason alone !!
The people who are so important they have to be connected to a phone for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week even when they are shopping and driving is because they think they are more important than us "normal folk !!"

studio1087, it's good to get it off your chest but - err - why were you having an "hour long conference call" on your cell phone ??, leave the phone in the office .........

[68tele]

Bluetooth headsets are the pocket protector/cell-phone holster for today's dork-about-town.

[WallyArms]

I have found what works best is to leave the phone at home, plugged into the land line like it was intended. I don't even like talking on the phone while I am at home, much less while I am away. If someone needs to get in touch with me, they can leave a message that I will listen to when I get home. If I need to call someone while I am out, which is extremely unlikely, I will use a pay phone.

Don't even get me started on the folks that can't seem to drive their vehicles without a cell phone stuck in their ear

[Ben Harmless]

I worked for a well-thought-of theater in town for awhile. When we did rock shows, everyone was pretty much chill and never really irritated me. When is was a dance performance that people were dropping $60+ per ticket on, you could look out into the audience when the house was dark, and see a hundred little blue LEDs on the sides of people's heads.

It's a status symbol for only the middle-aged people to whom the pace of technology is so overwhelming that they strap themselves on for the ride in order to gain some sort of social capital.

To me, if you want to talk to me, take that thing out of your ear. It's no different than holding a phone to your ear while we're trying to have a conversation - even if you're not actually on the phone at the time, it still seems like you're expecting a call to which I am a secondary consideration.

[neocaster]

I think the current trajectory of "convergence" is that communications are in a state of "ON" all the time. These things, as well as incessant texting that's more popular with younger people, are just a function of that trend. We'll overcompensate for a bit, then correct. Remember, most middle-aged people didn't even have an answering machine at home for over half of their lives. We went from "No answer, Call later" to "I'll call you back" to "Try my mobile if you get the machine at home" to "just call my mobile first" to "send me a txt in case I can't take your call" inside a 25 year space. I don't know what's next, but I'm really starting to worry that God and my wife know when I'm touching myself...

[eryque]

Though I think status does play a role, I think it's more a symptom of the "gotta have it now" culture. And it pisses me off.

The thing that neo left out is that because of our shift in communication, we also shifted our culture. Remember not so long ago when people would actually make plans to see each other? Now people just want you to call them on their cell phones to make last minute plans.

If I ask a girl out and she says "call me later and see what I'm doing," I don't call. Ever. She's waiting for a better offer. Most people are, whether or not they realize it at the time.

[teledude66]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

They've been assimilated into the Borg Collective!
Cheers, Tim

HA! I've always said they look like the Borg. When I got my new phone they asked if I wanted one I said "nah ya'll look like a bunch of Borg or robots, no thanks." My cousin calls me on his all the time and it sucks I can never hear him....

[smoke]

It's a status symbol for only the middle-aged people

The Bruno amp and Klon OD for the non-guitaring world?

[jonzer]

I thought it was really stupid at the time cell phones became available and affordable to everyone, that everyone wore them on their hips as a status symbol. It's like people forgot what pockets are for.
I hate the bluetooth thing and believe it's mostly a status symbol for those wearing them 24/7. Disconnect occasionally, ok? You're not Irobot.

[bglaze]

I don't find it rude as much as I find it amusing. I think these guys walking around with the thing attached look like morons, unless they are in a car, in which case its a smart thing to do. But in a store or (god forbid) a restaurant) - palease!

[freshmattyp]

In my case, it allows me to actually be in the presence of my family rather than take a meeting in my office. In my line of work (IT Support) I don't get the luxury of always having meetings during the normal business day, so I strap on the headset and walk around the mall with my family. It's not a status symbol for me, it's a working tool. Maybe you should think about that before you pass judgement.

[genelovesjez]

Originally Posted by studio1087

I was at the mall this weekend ad I encountered at least 10 middle aged men who were walking thought the mall and shouting straight ahead with no none else near them. I then saw the flashing light on the side of their heads and realized that they were on the phone.

I have a Blue Tooth head set. I participate in hour long conference calls daily while driving and the head set is a great relief.

I would love it if we could get all the cell phone users off the roads and into the malls.

[Daddydex]

Originally Posted by freshmattyp

In my case, it allows me to actually be in the presence of my family rather than take a meeting in my office. In my line of work (IT Support) I don't get the luxury of always having meetings during the normal business day, so I strap on the headset and walk around the mall with my family. It's not a status symbol for me, it's a working tool. Maybe you should think about that before you pass judgement.

Wouldn't a cell phone in your pocket serve the same purpose?

Dan

[Steve McGinnis]

Originally Posted by genelovesjez

I would love it if we could get all the cell phone users off the roads and into the malls.

+1

[eryque]

Originally Posted by freshmattyp

In my case, it allows me to actually be in the presence of my family rather than take a meeting in my office. In my line of work (IT Support) I don't get the luxury of always having meetings during the normal business day, so I strap on the headset and walk around the mall with my family. It's not a status symbol for me, it's a working tool. Maybe you should think about that before you pass judgement.

These sorts of things are working tools for maybe 1% of the people who have them. As unfair as it may be, you're going to have to live with being lumped in with the Borg collective if you wear the symbol of the Borg collective.

At least you can still get service at a lunch counter and there aren't separate water fountains for gadget heads.

[Steve McGinnis]

ThunderCloud subs in Austin will not take your order if you are talking on a cellphone (or a blue tooth, same thing). I think this is a great idea.

I have no issue with people talking on the phone so long as they are not obnoxiously loud. Once they use the phone conversation as an excuse to be rude to people there in the flesh (pointing and gesturing at checkout clerks while talking about nothing important on the phone), then I think it is an issue.

[Ben Harmless]

Okay, truth be told, I think "Borg" every time I see one of those things. I'm just embarrassed to make Star Trek references in public. Also, I fear assimilation.

I so still think that talking to someone with one of those in their ear says that they're more interested in whatever random call they might get than in talking to you.

[neocaster]

I try to do some things to make sure that the poeple I'm actually with get me first. If I'm in a line and on the phone, I'm not concerned with how rude the people around me think I am. I speak at a reasonable/low volume and don't speak of anything sensitive. ANybody who wants to be ticked about that, well that's their resentment to tote around and they're welcome to it. If I'm still on the phone when my turn comes up, I ask the other party to hold, and I put my phone on the counter, so the person I'm speaking to across the counter doesn't have to guess whether I'm talking to them or someone else.

[guitarzan13]

Originally Posted by freshmattyp

Maybe you should think about that before you pass judgement.

Nah.... I gotta pick on someone...I'm not talking about all..... but a trumpet player at a party at 10PM....c'mon.....I don't think that he was waiting on a call for that career making gig....

[bglaze]

Originally Posted by freshmattyp

In my case, it allows me to actually be in the presence of my family rather than take a meeting in my office. In my line of work (IT Support) I don't get the luxury of always having meetings during the normal business day, so I strap on the headset and walk around the mall with my family. It's not a status symbol for me, it's a working tool. Maybe you should think about that before you pass judgement.

No one's judging. No one is saying you'll go to hell if you wear one around the mall. People are just saying you look like a moron. Which is an opinion, not a judgement.

My suggestion would be, put the thing in your pocket until someone actually calls. Don't wear it like an accessory.

[freshmattyp]

Originally Posted by Daddydex

Wouldn't a cell phone in your pocket serve the same purpose?

Dan

The conference call might be kind of muffled down there.

I'll put up with sideways looks all day long if it means more time with my family, even if it means I split focus.

[Boubou]

Its not the headset factor for me. Its the being connected 24/7. I have a cell phone, its off most of the time, its for ME to phone you WHEN I want, NOT for you to phone me. I dont want to be bothered with the phone when i am shopping or doing whatever, leave a message.

[freshmattyp]

Originally Posted by bglaze

No one's judging. No one is saying you'll go to hell if you wear one around the mall. People are just saying you look like a moron. Which is an opinion, not a judgement.

My suggestion would be, put the thing in your pocket until someone actually calls. Don't wear it like an accessory.

Funny, all those other posts about status symbols, I guess those weren't judgemental?

Your suggestion is duly noted and filed in bin 47.

[freshmattyp]

Originally Posted by guitarzan13

Nah.... I gotta pick on someone...I'm not talking about all..... but a trumpet player at a party at 10PM....c'mon.....I don't think that he was waiting on a call for that career making gig....

That reminds me of a line from Revenge of the Nerds:

"No one's gonna really be free until nerd persecution ends."

Word.

[DougieLove]

I think for social aspects it's a combination of wanting to have the latest high-tech gadget and the need to feel important and cool.

For commerce reasons, we shot ourselves in the foot with technology. 20+ years ago, once the corporate HQ of a company shut down for the day, all the branches had to wait until the next day to do anything. Now, work can be done around the globe at any time of the day. If you want to climb the ladder, then you need to be able to do business any time of the day. Imagine if an executive of some marketing firm told his boss "well, it's after 5pm in New York, so I'll just start on it tomorrow." He'd be fired in today's world. So, in order to succeed, you need to work around the clock, or at least be accessable around the world.

[popthree]

Originally Posted by freshmattyp

In my case, it allows me to actually be in the presence of my family rather than take a meeting in my office. In my line of work (IT Support) I don't get the luxury of always having meetings during the normal business day, so I strap on the headset and walk around the mall with my family. It's not a status symbol for me, it's a working tool. Maybe you should think about that before you pass judgement.

maybe this is why so many conference calls go on forever. a bunch of people walking around the mall, half participating in home life, half participating in work life.

quoting despair.com now.... meetings...no one of us is a dumb as all of us

seriously though, i feel for ya. I'm in IT support as well, and until about a year ago, i was continually chained to my notebook (a stroll at the mall was only a dream) because of all the volatile systems i supported. i made a slight career modification and now my work life starts @ 07:30 and ends @ 16:30 M-F . feels like a huge weight has been lifted from me.

i will not be assimilated

[bglaze]

Originally Posted by neocaster

I try to do some things to make sure that the poeple I'm actually with get me first. If I'm in a line and on the phone, I'm not concerned with how rude the people around me think I am. I speak at a reasonable/low volume and don't speak of anything sensitive. ANybody who wants to be ticked about that, well that's their resentment to tote around and they're welcome to it. If I'm still on the phone when my turn comes up, I ask the other party to hold, and I put my phone on the counter, so the person I'm speaking to across the counter doesn't have to guess whether I'm talking to them or someone else.

I don't know about some people, but it doesn't get me "ticked" when I see it; it just makes me laugh. So, if you don't mind being the butt of a joke while wearing the thing then just ignore the ones of us poking fun at the glowing ear goombas...

[neocaster]

Originally Posted by bglaze

I don't know about some people, but it doesn't get me "ticked" when I see it; it just makes me laugh. So, if you don't mind being the butt of a joke while wearing the thing then just ignore the ones of us poking fun at the glowing ear goombas...

Bothers me little to naught, B. The time I save I either keep for myself to play my instrument, or spend with my family. It almost makes me wonder what someonelse else could have gotten done while they were busy laughing at me.

[Pete Galati]

This thread is the first place I ever heard of a Blue Tooth Head Sets. It can't be any more annoying than people who insist on walking around having cell phone conversations, basically everywhere.

I don't think I've been to a mall for at least 5 years, so I have no idea what the mall crowds are up to. Almost everything costs too much at malls, and parking's a drag, and there're too many people wandering around.

Pete